With 12 years of experience in the legal field and a Master of Laws degree from Harvard Law School, Kingi Snelgar is an independent criminal defence lawyer based in Auckland, committed to justice, human rights, and serving clients to the best of their ability.

Kingi’s expertise lies in research, analysis, advocacy, and litigation, particularly in complex and sensitive cases. Specialising in criminal law, they have also been called upon to assist with issues of tikanga and te Tiriti across various areas of litigation, including employment law, civil litigation, trust law, inquiries, family, and other forms of dispute resolution.

Having conducted several trials and appointed as amicus curiae to assist self-represented individuals, Kingi has also served as a Counsel to Assist at the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State Care, co-leading the Māori investigation and supporting the residential investigation.

Currently serving as a Commissioner at the Criminal Cases Review Commission, specialising in criminal justice and indigenous rights, Kingi’s focus remains on ensuring fair representation and upholding the principles of justice for all individuals, especially those from marginalized communities.

Additionally, Kingi has delivered numerous guest seminars to a range of legal and non-legal audiences on tikanga, criminal justice, and te Tiriti, as well as contributing to various media platforms through writing and interviews.

Ngāpuhi, Te Whakatohea, Ngati Whakaue and Ngai Tahu

Kingi possesses a comprehensive background spanning all phases of criminal proceedings, criminal asset cases, regulatory prosecutions, disciplinary tribunals, and appeals.

To understand your options, please get in touch for a free confidential consultation.